There are lessons that come from books, training, and experience — and then there are lessons that nature teaches you herself, the hard way. Some of them leave you changed. Others leave scars. My name is Marcus Webb, and for more than fifteen years, I’ve worked as a wilderness guide and wildlife photographer in the Pacific Northwest.

I’ve walked trails few people have seen, spent hours waiting for the perfect light to hit a ridge or river, and led hikers safely through dense bear country more times than I can count. I knew the safety rules — never approach wildlife, don’t get between a mother and her young, avoid unnecessary risks.

I thought that knowledge made me prepared. But one moment of instinct — a single choice made in emotion — reminded me that nature doesn’t care how experienced you are. It humbles you anyway. The River That Changed Everything.  It was a humid afternoon in late August. I had driven a few hours north, deep into the backcountry, to photograph the salmon…